Once upon a time, before skinny jeans were all the rage, denim was your friend. There was no self-critique or anxiety involved. You just slipped in, buttoned up, and went on your merry way.

If those long-gone days fill you with nostalgia, you’ll love the Chicago-based denim line BYA — an acronym for billions of years ago.

Hitting stores this week, the collection has a refreshing less-is-more attitude. No embellishments or trendy faux whiskering; all of the denim is hand aged to mimic a well-worn pair of jeans. Details include roomy side belt loops, vintage-inspired buttons, and a double-stitched contoured waistband that miraculously hugs the waist (no matter what your waist looks like).

There’s the Ava, a low-rise straight leg that’s as wide at the ankle as it is at the knee; the Mina, a flare with flap pockets; and the Katlin, a bootleg reminiscent of our favorite pair of Levi’s from back in the day.

You know, the ones from billions of years ago.

Available at The Chicago Designer Shop at Macy’s, 111 North State Street, at Randolph Street, first floor arcade (312-781-1000); Koros, 1019 West Lake Street, at Carpenter Street (312-738-0155). To see styles, go to byadenim.com.